London -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The European Union is spending more than $ 167 million to soothe the pain being felt by fruit and vegetable farmers hit by Russian food sanctions .

The move comes as the trade war between the West and Russia intensifies , and looks likely to hit Europe 's growth figures . Fears over the impact of chilling relations has already undermined Europe 's fragile recovery .

Around $ 2.7 billion worth of fruit and vegetables were shipped from the EU to Russia in 2013 , the bloc 's single biggest export to the market . The package announced by the EU Monday will support producers of fruit and vegetables that are already in season and ca n't be easily stored .

Russian President Vladimir Putin , in a tit for tat move against Western sanctions , banned imported European cheese , American chicken and Norwegian seafood from the country 's dinner tables . The move was in response to countries imposing economic sanctions against Russia in the aftermath of the flight MH17 disaster .

The Kremlin banned most agriculture products from the U.S. , the European Union , Norway , Canada and Australia .

Europe 's food exports to Russia were worth $ 15.8 billion in 2013 , making up around 10 % of the bloc 's agriculture exports , according to EU data . European countries sold $ 1.6 billion worth of pork and $ 1.3 billion worth of cheese and curd to Russia .

The U.S. shipped $ 1.3 billion worth of food to Russia , with chicken and other poultry making up a quarter of the total value , around $ 310 million .

The ban of foreign food is more than just an inconvenience for Russians who like imported food . Russia is the world 's fifth largest agricultural importer and remains dependent on food supply from abroad -- its agricultural trade deficit extended to $ 26 billion in 2013 , according to data from the European Commission .

With billions worth of food disappearing from the market , prices are likely to go up and experts forecast increased Russian inflation , which is already running at 7.5 % .

Russians will still be able to enjoy European wines and spirits , as well as bread , pasta and cereals . These have escaped the embargo -- even though their ban would hurt Europe economically . In 2013 , EU countries sold nearly $ 1 billion worth of spirits and $ 733 million worth of wine to Russia .

Explore CNN 's infographic above to see what items are likely to disappear from Russian menu .

Russia 's food ban leaves Europeans with sour taste

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Russia has banned food imports from countries that have imposed sanctions against it

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As the world 's fifth largest food importer , Russia relies on supply from abroad

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Russia bought $ 15.8 billion worth of food from the EU in 2013 , and $ 1.3 billion worth of food from the U.S.